The Quilter's "So Organized" Bag is a great bag to organize, store and carry your sewing / quilting supplies and notions. This will also make a great little project caddy, by keeping the bag open, on your working table, to organize your tools and supplies.
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Finished bag measurements : 12.5" wide x 4.5" tall x 5.5" wide (when it's closed).

Features 
3x Zipper pockets
4x compartments (between the zipper pockets)
Zipper Closure
Handles
Adjustable Strap (detachable)

This post may contain affiliate links; I earn a small commission if you make a purchase of qualifying items through those links with no additional cost. Thank you!

Hope you enjoy this project. Happy Sewing!

Today I'd like to share this cute  drawstring bag project with you. This bag is pretty spacious yet lightweight and so much fun to wear.  Great project bag for a knitter or crocheter, also great for your daily errands, grocery, or as a spare bag when traveling. 

The finished measurements of this bag is approx. 12" wide (bottom), 13" tall, 5" deep, the widest point when the top is expanded is about 15". This bag comes with a zipper pocket, 2 slip pockets, and magnetic snap closure. 

I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, you can go ahead and watch it here, or keep reading for the written instructions.

Let's get started !

Fabric 1,2,3,4 : 4x Jelly Roll Strips (2.5" wide strips cut from the width of fabric)
Fabric 5 (accent fabric) : 1 Fat Quarter or 1/4 yard of fabric
Fabric 6 (straps, casing, drawstring): 1/3 yard of fabric
Fabric 7 (lining) 1/2 yard of fabric
Fusible fleece (thermolam) / batting : 17" x 33"
Fusible Woven interfacing : 1/6 yard
1 set of Magnetic Snap closure
1 all purpose zipper (at least 7" long)
​Basic sewing and quilting notions

Note:
-Feel free to mix and match your fabric in more or less variations.
-If using one solid fabric for the exterior (no patchwork), you will need 5/6 yard of fabric

1. Sew all the jelly roll strips together with 1/4" of seam allowance. Press.

2. Trim the selvage ends, measure 17" and cut (make 2x) you should end up with 2 panels measuring 17" x 8.5" 

3. Lay out the front exterior panels as shown in the picture below, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

4. Lay out the back exterior just like shown in the picture below, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

5. Layer the front and back exterior pieces with batting, quilt. If using fusible fleece, fuse it to the wrong side of your fabric

6. Cut 2.5" square notches on both bottom corners to box the bottom of the bag.

7. Lay the front and back exterior pieces right side together, sew the sides and the bottom with 1/2" seam allowance.

8. Open the bottom corner, match the seams, sew with 1/2" seam allowance, repeat the same with the opposite side.

9. Apply fusible woven interfacing on the wrong side of the strap pieces.
10. Fold the short ends of the straps the wrong side 1/2" , press, fold the strap in half, press, fold the side edges towards the center fold, press, then fold everything in half, press. Sew all around with 1/8" of seam allowance, repeat the same with the other one.

11. Position the strap as shown below, draw the stitch line, then sew. Repeat the same with the opposite side.

12. Fold the short end of the casing 1/4", press. Fold one more time 1/4", press. Repeat the same with the opposite end, sew with 1/8" seam allowance.

13. Fold the casing in half, press. Repeat the same with the other one.

14. Place the casing on the right side of the front exterior piece, aligning the raw edges, center the position of the casing. Secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew along the edges with 1/4" of seam allowance.  Repeat the same for the back exterior.

15. Fold the drawstring strip in half, press. Fold the edges towards the center fold, press. Fold everything in half, press. Sew all around with 1/8" of seam allowance, repeat the same with the other strip.

16. Prepare the lining pieces, cut the 2.5" corner notches the same way as you did the exterior pieces.

17. Lay the slip pockets pieces right side together, sew all around with 1/4" seam allowance leaving about 3" of opening to turn the pocket inside out.

18. Clip the corners (be careful not to cut through the stitches),Turn the pocket inside out, fold the raw edges from the opening towards the inside 1/4", press, then topstitch along the top edges. 

19. Position you pocket on the right side of one of the lining, about 3.5" down from the top, center the position. Pin them in place. Divide the pocket in to two slots by drawing a straight line mark on the center point of the pocket, then sew on the center point mark, the sides and the bottom of the pocket.

20. Sew the zipper pocket. Follow the exact same steps as in this video 
21. Install the magnetic snap closure

22. Assemble the lining exactly the same way as the exterior, leaving about 5" opening at the bottom.

23. Turn the exterior shell wrong side out, turn the lining right side out; Insert the lining into the exterior shell (the right sides of the lining should be touching the right sides of the exterior.

24. Secure them in place with some sewing clips, sew with 1/2" seam allowance.

25. Turn the bag inside out through the opening hole, press along the top edges, then top stitch. Sew the opening hole close.

26. Attach one of the end of the drawstring with a safety pin, then thread the drawstring into the casing using the safety pin to guide it through. Repeat the same with the other side.

27. Even out the drawstring, then secure them together by tying a tight knot.

Give your bag a final pressing, enjoy!

After the success of the tote bag with pocket divider tutorial that I posted about 3 weeks ago, I decided to create a simpler bag making project that has not much fuss yet still show a particular technique that will  hopefully enrich your bag making skill (if you are not an expert already by now ;)..), in this case, the recessed zipper.

Beside the zipper, the overall construction of this bag is relatively easy, and doable for a confident beginner as well. The use of the jelly roll strips for the exterior shell adds interesting look to the bag, and more fun to this project.

Let's get started!

Supplies 
-2 jelly roll strips (2.5" pre cut strips) for fabric A & B
-1/4 yard of fabric for the accent fabric (you can also use a fat quarter) Fabric C
- 1/3 yard of lining fabric
-1/4 yard of fabric for the strap
- 2/3 yard of fusible woven interfacing (20" wide)
- 24" x 12.5" fusible fleece (thermolam)
- Nylon coil zipper (at least 12" long)
- 1" Drings (2x)
- 1" Swivel hooks (2x)
- 1" adjuster slider
- Basting tape
- Basic sewing notions

I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, below is the link. You may also scroll down below for the cutting and written instruction.

CUTTING

*For the patchwork, refer to step 1-4 directions

~Exterior Shell~
Lower front exterior panel : 12.5" x 4" (cut 1x) from fabric C
Lower back exterior panel : 12.5" x 8" (cut 1) from fabric C
Fusible woven interfacing : 12.5" x 12" (cut 2x)
Fusible Fleece : 12.5" x 11.5" (cut 2x)
***If using solid fabric (no patchwork) cut 12.5" x 12" (2x) for the exterior fabric

~Recessed Zipper~
Zipper tabs : 3" x 2" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric (or scraps)
Zipper panels : 10" x 4" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric (or scraps)

~Interior~
Lining : 12.5" x 12" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric
Slip Pockets : 12.5" x 6" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric

~Strap~
Strap Anchors : 5" x 4" (cut 1x)
Adjustable strap : 60" x4" 
Fusible woven interfacing : 59" x 2"

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the Jelly Roll Strips (fabric A & Fabric B), sew them together with 1/4" of seam allowance.

2. Press the seams towards one side.

3. Trim the selvage ends off.

4. Measure 12.5" and cut (make 3x)

5. Sew two of the jelly roll panels together with 1/4" seam allowance, press 

6. Sew the jelly roll fabric with the lower panel with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

7. Sew the remaining jelly roll panel and the lower back exterior piece together with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

8. Apply the fusible woven interfacing followed with the fusible fleece on the wrong side of both the front and back panel.

9. Measure and draw 1.5" rectangle on both bottom corners of the bag, cut.

10. Lay the front and back exterior fabric right side together, secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew the sides and the bottom with 1/2" of seam allowance.

11. Open the corner, match and secure the seams with a sewing clip then sew with 1/2" of seam allowance; do the same with the other side.

12. Trim your zipper to measure exactly 12" long (from one end to another)

13. Fold the end of the zipper tab (widthwise) about 1/2", press, fold the opposite end 1/2" press.

14. Fold the zipper tab right side together, aligning the folded edges, then sew the sides with 1/4" of seam allowance

15. Turn the zipper tab inside out, press; do the same with the other piece.

16. Insert the end of the zipper into the zipper tab pocket; do the same with the other side, secure them in place with pins, then sew all around the edges of the zipper tabs with 1/8" of seam allowance.

17. Prepare the zipper panels, fold the end of the zipper panel in 1/2", press, do the same with the other side, fold the zipper panel in half, press, for the edges toward the center fold, press, then fold everything in half again, and press. Both of your zipper panels should end up measuring 9" x 1".

18. Cut two basting tape the same length as your zipper panel, then apply them on the edges of your zipper tape, both the top and the bottom (you want to position the basting tape starting from the start of the zipper)

19. Feed the zipper tape into the fold of the zipper panel, neaten the position, then finger press the zipper panel to make sure it's sticking to the basting tape; pop a couple pins to add extra security, then sew the sides and the lower edges (do not sew the upper/outer edges)

20. Repeat the same with the other side.

21. Lay the slip pocket pieces right side together, sew the top and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance; press; turn right side out.

22. Press the pocket; top stitch along the upper edges.

23. Position the pocket on the right side of the lining piece, about 3.5" away from the top; draw a line on the center, then sew along the center line, and the bottom as well.

24. Lay the zipper panel on the right side of the lining 1.5" away from the top, aligning the center point of the zipper with the center of the lining; pin; sew along the edges with 1/8" of seam allowance

25.  Repeat the same with the other side of the zipper panel.

26. Assemble the lining the same way as the exterior shell; leave about 5" of opening at the bottom to turn the bag inside out.

27. Fold the strap anchor in half widthwise; press; fold the edges towards the center fold; press; fold everything in half; press.

28. Sew the folded edges with 1/8" seam allowance; cut in half.

29. Insert the strap anchors to the d-rings, position them on both sides of the bag (right on the side seams); sew with 1/4" of seam allowance.

30. Sew the strap; watch the video tutorial here.

31. Turn the exterior shell wrong side out, and the lining right side out; insert the lining into the exterior shell; secure with sewing clips; sew with 1/2" of seam allowance.

32. Turn the bag inside out through the opening hole, press the edges; topstitch.

33. Sew the opening hole close.

34. Tuck the lining bag inside; attach the strap; enjoy!

I have been wanting to make a larger size messenger bag that is more structured, thus able to carry heavier items such as books, tablets, diapers, wipes, my kid's toys, etc, yet still looking chic and feminine hence I designed this bag and of course share the adventure of the making with you.

For this bag we will use some 2.5" strips, I used some jelly roll strips that I have laying around (you can also cut from your scraps).

I also added a front zipper pocket to store my phone, and of course some internal pockets (3 zipper pockets & 1 slip pocket) 

Disclaimer : This post contains some affiliate links, Thank you for your support!

SUPPLIES 
12" x 2.5" strips (5x) for the flap
15" x 2.5" strips (14x) for the front and bag exterior
1 yard of fabric for the lining and pockets
Fusible woven Interfacing
Sew in Foam Stabilizer (I used soft and stable)
Fusible Fleece 
Bias piping tape 
2 nylon coil zipper (at least 7" long)
1 set of magnetic snap
1.5" Webbing Strap 50" - 60" long
1.5" D rings (2x)
1.5" adjustable strap slider 

​

CUTTING 
Flap
-From the strips cut 12" x 2.5" (5x)
-From the lining fabric cut 10.5" x 12" (1x)
-From the fusible woven interfacing cut 10.5" x 12" (1x)
-From the fusible fleece cut 10.5" x 11.5" (1x)

Front and back exterior
-From the strips cut 15" x 2.5" (14x)
-From the fusible woven interfacing cut 14.5" x 15" (2x)
-From the foam stabilizer cut 14.5" x 14.5" (2x)

Front external zipper pocket
-From the lining fabric cut 10" x 9" (2x)
-From the fusible woven interfacing cut 10" x 9" (2x)

Lining
-From the lining fabric cut 14.5" x 15" (2x)

Internal slip pockets
-From the lining fabric cut 14.5" x 8" (2x)

Internal zipper pocket
-From the lining fabric cut 10" x 9" (2x)

Strap Anchors
-From the webbing strap cut 3" strips (2x)

​Strap
-From the webbing strap cut between 50"-60" long
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STRIPS LAYOUT

Flap

Front & Back Exterior

Watch the full tutorial on my Youtube Channel

Happy Sewing!!

Got some Jelly Roll Strips left over from your quilting project? How about making this charming slouch tote that is so much fun and pretty simple to make.

The finished measurement of this bag when lays flat is about 16" (widest point)x 11" although when you wear it, the center is going to collapse, hence gives you that attractive slouchy look.

I used cotton batting for this bag, although other type of interfacing such as fusible fleece, thermolam, or felt fabric will work great as well.
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This bag comes with 4 interior pockets (3 slip pockets and 1 zipper pocket), adjustable strap, and magnetic snap closure.

For this project I use these lovely Jelly Roll Strips by French General from Moda Fabrics.

From each Jelly Roll fabric, you will need to cut 10" x 2.5" (2x) strips and 5" x 2.5 (4x) strips

Below is the lay out of the front and back exterior shells

You can watch the full tutorial on my Youtube channel for the detailed patchwork piecing and the construction of the bag.

Supplies 
4x jelly Roll Strips (2.5" wide strips)
1/3 yard of accent fabric (for the accent strips and strap
Quilt batting (or interfacing of your choice e.g. fusible fleece, felt fabric, etc)
5/8" quilt weight fabric for the lining, slip pockets, and zipper pocket 
Nylon coil zipper (at least 7") 
1" D rings (2x) 
1" adjuster slider  
Fusible woven interfacing (pellon shapeflex 101) 
Basic sewing notions

Disclaimer : Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.

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Cutting 

The Jelly Roll strips patchwork
From each Jelly Roll Strip, cut the following 
-10" x 2.5" (2x)
-5" x 2.5" (4x)

From the accent fabric cut the following 
~Front Exterior~
Top Accent : 18.5" x 1.5" 
Bottom Accent : 18.5" x 2.5"

~Back Exterior~
Top Accent : 18.5" x 1.5"
Bottom Accent : 18.5" x 6.5"

***After quilting/ applying the interfacing, trim off both sides of the front and back exterior shell about 1/4", thus both of your front and back exterior should be measuring 18" x 13.5"

Strap Anchors : 5" x 4"

Strap : 42" (cut from the full width of fabric) x 4"
Strap interfacing : 41" (1" shorter from the length of the strap) x 2"

Lining : 18" x 13.5" (cut 2x)

Slip Pockets : 18" x 7" (cut 2x)

Zipper Pockets : 9" x 7"

Thank you for stopping by and Happy Sewing!

This is another fun project using the oh so versatile jelly roll strips. The Jelly Glee tote is a charming slouch tote with quite wide base hence looking bucket-ish. To make the most of the patchwork fabric, I also include a cute matching zipper pouch that is perfect to put your cellphone, case, cards, etc.

Supplies 
4 Jelly roll strips (2 1/2" strips) 
3/4 yard main fabric
Fusible woven interfacing (I use Pellon shape flex 101) 
Fusible Fleece (I use thermolam Pellon TP971F) 
1 set of magnetic snap 
Nylon zipper (at least 7") - For the zipper pocket 
Nylon zipper at least 9" (for the pouch) 
Basic sewing notions

Cutting
Exterior Shell : See pictures below
Interfacing : Cut two 18 1/2" x 17" (fusible woven interfacing)
                       Cut two 18 1/2" x 16 1/2" (fusible fleece)
Lining : Cut two 18 1/2" x 17"
Slip Pockets : Cut two 10" x 7"
Zipper pocket : Cut two 10" x 9"

For the  zipper pouch 
Exterior main : measure 5" from the left over  jelly roll fabric and cut 2" (your fabric should measure 8 1/2" x 5")
Exterior accent strip : 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" (cut two)
Lining : 8 1/2" x 5" (cut two)

First thing first you will need to sew your Jelly roll strips together. I recommend to alternate the darker color from the lighter color, and of course you will need to sew them with 1/4" of seam allowance.

Measure 4 1/2" and cut, make 6x and you will end up with 6 rectangles measuring 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" 

For the accent fabric you will need to cut as shown below

Then lay out the patchwork of the front and back exterior shell.

Piece your patchwork with 1/4" of seam allowance, and once you've done that go ahead and continue with the rest of the bag construction as shown in thevideo tutorial.

Once your bag is finished, you may go ahead and sew the zipper pouch.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, thank you for your support!

Happy Sewing!!

The Naomi Tote bag is a large patchwork tote bag featuring front zipper pocket, and a cute knotted front flap. The use of the metal zipper really elevate the look of this bag (although you can also use nylon zipper). You can take this darling bag to work, party or any social gatherings, or roaming the town doing your errands.

This is a fun bag for you to make using some of the jelly roll strips from your stash. The finished measurement go this bag is about 15" x 14".

Before you get started, go ahead and download the pattern layout and cutting instruction below:

Once you've downloaded the pattern, watch the full tutorial on my Youtube channel :

Supplies
4 Jelly Roll (2 1/2”) Strips 
1 Yard accent fabric
1/2 yard interior lining fabric 
Fusible woven interfacing 
Fusible Fleece  
12” metal zipper
1 set of magnetic snap 
 Basic sewing notions

Happy Sewing!!

I am so excited to share with you the Fabianna Messenger Bag Tutorial.
Making this bag simply cure my winter blue, since it has been cold, damp, and mixed snow and rainy day here at my mountain home in Northern AZ.
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Hope your project turns out beautifully.
Happy Sewing!!!

In today's tutorial we are going to make this super adorable foldover bag that is convertible, can be used as a shoulder bag or converted into a crossbody with that cute foldover effect.

The finished measurement of this bag will be about 14" x 11" when worn as shoulder bag, and 11" x 11" when worn as crossbody.

You will learn so many different bag making technique in this tutorial, from attaching zipper pocket, adding magnetic snap closure, installing swivel and adjustable slider, ond many more. The full tutorial of this bag is available on my youtube channel. I have inserted the video down below

How to sew a convertible foldover crossbody bag "The Clara Bag"

You will need :
3 Jelly rolls or 3 strips of 42" x 2.5" fabric) 
1 Fat quarter or 1/2 yard of quilt weight cotton fabric for the accent fabrics
1/2 yard of quilt weight fabric for the straps
1 yard of quilt weight fabric for the lining and pockets
Nylon Zipper (at least 7" long)
Fusible woven interfacing 
Fusible Fleece 
2 one inch d rings
2 one inch lobster swivel clasps 
1 one inch adjuster slider 
Magnetic snap
Quilter wonder tape 

Measurements:
Jelly rolls : 
Sew all 3 jelly rolls then cut 4 pcs of 6.5" squares and a 12.5 wide rectangle
 
Accent Fabrics:
Cut 2 pcs of 3" x 12.5"
Cut 11.5" x 12.5" rectangle 

Lining 
Cut 2 pcs of 17.5" x 12.5"  rectangles 

Woven Interfacing
Cut 2 pcs of 17.5" x 12.5" rectangles

Fusible Fleece 
Cut 2 pcs of 16.5" x 12.5" rectangles

Zipper Pockets 
Cut 2 pcs 8" x 10" rectangles

Slip Pocket
Cut 14" x 12.5" rectangle

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to leave me a comment down below.

Hope your project turned out lovely!! XOXO